Read Online Sanctity by S. M. Bowles - Free Book Online Page A

Michael noticed that something was
wrong as I slowly turned away and took my seat. 
    “Are you alright?” I felt his concern in my
mind. 
    I couldn’t tell him what was wrong after I
had been forced into understanding.  I tried to hide my
disappointment as I settled into my seat.  There was a brief
moment when I felt like he was giving me a hug and some of my
tension seemed to slip away.  I watched as the first of the
dancers took the stage and once the story began to unfold
everything else was forgotten. 
    I quickly became enthralled with the
acrobatic and cinematic display.  I couldn’t stop smiling as I
enjoyed the show.  It seemed truly magical, just as I’d
hoped.  The sets, the music, the ballerinas and their
partners; I immediately fell in love with the imagery and nearly
forget the outside world for the moment.   When the time
came for intermission I realized that I had been sitting like a
statue through the first few acts and my arms and legs were stiff
from being in so rigid a position for so long.  I stretched
and glanced at my mom and dad.  They looked as though they
were certainly enjoying the ballet as well. 
    “So what do you think so far?” My mother
asked me.
    I could see that my father and Michael were
also listening to hear my reply, “It’s wonderful!  A million
times better than any movie I have ever seen!” I said
breathlessly.
    “I’m so glad you are enjoying it,” Michael
bent his knee as he talked to me so that we were at eye
level.  “So who is your favorite character so far?”
    “Clara, of course!”
    “Would you like to meet her after the
show?”
    “No, Mr. Donovan,” my mother started to
protest.
    He stood and faced my parents, “It’s not
often that I get to take advantage of the privileges they hand out
to the supporting members of the Center.  It’s just one of the
benefits they give for buying the box for the season,” he assured
them.
    My mother looked at me, turned to my father
and helplessly back to Michael, “If you’re sure it won’t be too
much trouble.”
    The lady was curious to know what we were
all talking about and decided to join the group.  “Hello
Elayna, I’m Brenda.  Michael didn’t have a chance to introduce
us earlier but I have been anxious all night to meet you.”
    “It’s nice to meet you Brenda,” I was
reluctant to shake hands and thankfully my father saw this. 
He stepped up and made my excuse for me. 
    “She’s a little nervous around new
people.”
    “Yes, I see,” Brenda’s interest
disintegrated and she carried herself away to Michael’s side. 
I watched as she took his arm in hers and felt another wave of
disappointment sweep over me.  “You look very dapper tonight,
Michael, “she smoothed the wrinkles from his shoulders then fiddled
with his tie.  “Oh” she cooed, “what’s this?”  She looked
from him to me and back again, “Oh, how cute! You match.”
    I hadn’t noticed before but Brenda was
right, Michael’s tie was the perfect shade to match my dress. 
For some reason this new knowledge caused me to flush with
excitement.  I was certain that Michael picked the tie
particularly for me and it offered some reassurance that it was his
intention to give me a special night. 
    Brenda unfortunately discerned the little
blush that burned my cheeks.  It was very unsettling to have
gotten caught and even more so when she pointed it out.  “I
think someone has a little crush developing over here,” she smiled
down at me patronizingly.  Her statement was loud enough that
everyone in the box heard her and I was sure it was done with that
purpose in mind.  I was mortified and reached for my mother’s
hand.  She looked down at me with a touch of understanding and
pity.
    “Let’s go freshen up, Elayna.  Would
you excuse us?”
    My father volunteered to come as well and
Michael gave a little bow to my mother as she led me away.  I
refused to look at him though I knew he was trying to